2008.10.18: October 18, 2008: Headlines: COS - Uganda: Oneida Dispatch: Nicole Sheehan joined the Peace Corps and by August, she was in Uganda, staying with a host family while she trained to be a health volunteer

Nicole Sheehan joined the Peace Corps and by August, she was in Uganda, staying with a host family while she trained to be a health volunteer

"The best part of my experiences has been making a life here in Uganda," she in an e-mail interview Thursday. "Making friends, working with FDNC, having fun and everything else that happens in day-to-day life...Life goes on just like it does anywhere." And though she said that it is hard to tell whether or not she is making a difference, she likes to think that she is. So far, she has seen the most positive response from her young flute students. "They are learning to read music and playing the flute, which is something totally new for a Ugandan student," she said. "It gives them something extra to do after school."

ONEIDA - An Oneida High School graduate who has spent the last 18 months in Africa as a Peace Corps volunteer is anticipating a visit from her family and friends later this month and they'd like to take something along with them to aid her in her endeavors.

After graduating from Daemen College in May 2007 with a degree in natural science, Nicole Sheehan, 22, joined the U.S. Peace Corps and by August, she was in Uganda, staying with a host family while she trained to be a health volunteer.

After her training was complete in October, Nicole moved into her own one-room hut on a protected area. She began working for a non-governmental organization called the Foundation for Development of Needy Communities. Through this organization she teaches local community members about basic primary health care and how to play the flute. She is also helping to develop a special education school.

It hasn't always been the best of times, Nicole admitted. At one point, her hut was infested by rats and mice, which she had tried to avoid. One day, Nicole said that she came back from work and saw that rodents had gotten into some of her food. She had to get used to the lack of electricity and having a regular supply of running water.

But it hasn't been all bad. In fact, overall, Nicole said that she is enjoying everyday life in Africa.

"The best part of my experiences has been making a life here in Uganda," she in an e-mail interview Thursday. "Making friends, working with FDNC, having fun and everything else that happens in day-to-day life...Life goes on just like it does anywhere."

And though she said that it is hard to tell whether or not she is making a difference, she likes to think that she is. So far, she has seen the most positive response from her young flute students.

"They are learning to read music and playing the flute, which is something totally new for a Ugandan student," she said. "It gives them something extra to do after school."

Nicole has only visited home once since she arrived in Africa to serve her two-year commitment and the only way that her mother, Paula, can communicate with her is through e-mail, when Nicole has access to power and a phone line.

It's been a tough time for both of them, as the two are extremely close, Paula said.

"When I heard she was leaving, I asked her 'How am I going to live without you for two years?'" Paula said. "And she said 'You could come and see me, mom!'"

Though she never thought that she would actually make the trip, now Paula, Nicole's sister and a couple of other friends are heading to Uganda at the beginning of November. The trip alone takes two days, but Paula said that she is excited after being a little apprehensive about the idea at first.

"I thought about it more, and it's an opportunity of a lifetime," she said.

Nicole said that she is also very excited to see her family and friends.

"I think it is going to be a very eye-opening experience for everyone," said Nicole. "Most of them haven't traveled much outside of the U.S."

Paula said that she is looking forward to seeing her daughter and is hoping that she can bring along something special to help in Nicole's endeavors.

As part of her work with the FDNC, Nicole used to travel to communities around the country regularly, sharing knowledge on disease prevention, nutrition and other important health information. Because of a lack of funding, Nicole is unable to continue making these trips. Paula would like to collect donations at home so that she can present a check to the FDNC in Nicole's honor, "from her family and friends in America." The hope is that the money can be used for Nicole and others to be able to continue with these trips.

Anyone who wants to can help with the donation can bring bottles and cans to T-N-J Return Center on West Elm Street in Oneida where a "Nicole-FDNC" account has been set up to collect funds. Paula is also selling 50/50 and various items to raise money. For more information, call 363-8643.

Peace Corps Suspends Program in BoliviaTurmoil began in Bolivia three weeks ago sparked by President Evo Morales' pledge to redistribute wealth from the east to the country's poorer highlands. Peace Corps has withdrawn all volunteers from the country because of "growing instability." Morales has thrown out US Ambassador Philip Goldberg accusing the American government of inciting the violence. This is not the first controversy surrounding Goldberg's tenure as US ambassador to Bolivia.

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Story Source: Oneida Dispatch

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